Hull’s “City of Culture” Budget Is In A Healthy State

Newly appointed as the chief executive of the company being set to up deliver Hull 2017, Martin Green says that the budget earmarked for 2017 is "on the right scale". Hull’s reign as the UK City of Culture 2017 may be some three years away, but the city is not resting on its laurels.

Martin Green - funding avenues will be investigated

Mr. Green said that the current estimated cost of delivering the 365-day programme is about £18m. He has an impressive track record, having been the head of ceremonies at the London 2012 Olympics. Whilst in that post, he led a management team that tripled the original budget for the opening and closing ceremonies by working with public bodies and corporate sponsors.

He not only hand-picked many of the artists, production and back-of-house teams, and is quoted as saying that similar opportunities were likely in the build-up to Hull's year in the spotlight as UK City of Culture.

"I think the current budget is on the right scale and is in a pretty healthy state," said Mr Green. "I also think it's something we can work on by making sure everyone knows what a great cultural destination Hull will be in 2017.

"One of my jobs will be to go out and sell Hull and what is going to be happening here. Attracting corporate sponsorship is one thing I will be looking at but support comes in all shapes and sizes, including people and organisations giving in-kind support, which doesn't cost anything but can also be invaluable."

Between them, Hull City Council and the Arts Council have pledged almost £8m towards 2017. Also, twenty local firms have also agreed to give £17,000 each as part of the Business Angels initiative to help fund initial start-up costs.

Mr Green said: "The good thing is that we have got time and space on our side. It's just over two years before the first event in 2017 and just over three years before the last one. That gives us a lot of room to work hard on the budget and exploring every avenue to attract more funding."